Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 707)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 707 is to open the Port of Aparri as a principal port of entry to support the economic development of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and to accelerate infrastructure and systems development at the port.
It is pursuant to Section 702 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines as amended, in relation to Republic Act No. 7922 or the Cagayan Special Economic Zone Act of 1995.
Republic Act No. 7922 promotes the government's policy to encourage and accelerate balanced industrial, economic, and social development, particularly in rural areas, by establishing special economic zones and free ports to attract legitimate and productive foreign investments.
The jurisdiction covers the entire provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and other areas added by the Commissioner of Customs, excluding the area covered by the Freeport created under Republic Act No. 7922.
The ports of Curimao, Tuguegarao Airport, and the Laoag International Airport are designated as subports under the District Port of Aparri.
The Commissioner of Customs is authorized to redefine the jurisdictional boundaries of the port, designate officials such as the Collector and Deputy Collectors, determine personnel requirements subject to approval, and organize the port in accordance with the Tariff and Customs Code.
The Executive Order requires the Bureau of Customs and CFZA to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement within 30 days to define their working relationships and the treatment of cargo entering or leaving Port Irene, a subport of District Port Aparri.
It is headed by a Collector of Customs V, assisted by Deputy Collectors of Customs designated by the Commissioner of Customs.
Initial operations will be funded from the available funds of the Bureau of Customs, while subsequent appropriations will be included in the Bureau's budget proposals, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.